Tips for starting a podcast in 2025

 
 
 
 
 

If I were to start a podcast in 2025, here's exactly what I'd do, drawing from my decade of experience as the head honcho of Bamby Media. We've launched nearly 500 shows, so I've learned a thing or two about what works in this ever-evolving industry. Whether you're a seasoned content creator or just dipping your toes into the podcasting world, these tips will help you make your mark. 

Invest in a Decent Microphone

First and foremost, invest in a decent microphone. This is non-negotiable. While audiences might forgive a bit of pixelated video, they won't accept poor-quality audio. Aim to spend around $300 on a good microphone and possibly a boom arm, depending on your recording setup. I recommend the Rode PodMic and the Rode PSA1+ boom arm. It’s a smart investment that pays off in listenability.

I have a number of podcast microphone reviews and battles over on my YouTube channel if you’d like to take a listen to some options yourself and see what suits your budget.

Brainstorm and Plan 50 Episode Topics

Next, come up with at least 50 episode topics. It might sound daunting, but this exercise ensures you have enough material to keep your podcast interesting for an entire year with weekly releases. Write them down, choose your favourite ten, and start recording those first. Planning ahead is the key to consistency.

Consider Audio vs. Video Content

Decide whether you'll offer audio-only content or incorporate video. With video becoming a significant component in the podcasting industry, having some form of video presence—even short snippets—can be beneficial. Whether you dive fully into video or start with audio and add video later, it's crucial to consider this aspect early on.

Strategise Your Promotion Channels

Think about how you'll spread the word about your podcast. Are you active on social media? If not, you'll need to repurpose content creatively to reach a broader audience—consider LinkedIn articles, Medium posts, podcast swaps, email newsletters or collaborations with other podcasters. Having a clear promotion strategy from the start is vital to gaining traction.

Schedule Regular Recording Sessions

Set aside specific days each month dedicated to podcasting. Batching your recordings helps maintain momentum and ensures regular releases. Pick dates well in advance to keep your podcast on schedule and this will help you stay consistent with your releases. Podcast listeners love the regularity of their favourite shows. If you can show your listener that you can be consistent, they are more likely to keep coming back to your content (and telling their friends to listen in).

Don't Skimp on Podcast Cover Artwork

Your podcast cover artwork is crucial in attracting listeners. It should be high-quality and branded appropriately—ditch the clichéd microphone or headphone imagery. Invest time and resources in creating artwork that truly represents your podcast. Like it or not, podcast listeners absolutely judge a podcast by its cover, so it’s important to make an effort here.

Get Help with Your Launch

Launching can be overwhelming, so I suggest you get professional help. Whether it's using a podcast launch package from a company like ours or watching a heap of YouTube videos to learn how to do it yourself, having guidance will smooth your start. Plus, having someone to hold you accountable can push you past those inevitable nerves and self-doubt.

Define Your Unique Message

Ask yourself: how does your podcast stand out? With countless podcasts out there, it's crucial to identify what makes yours unique. Write down what sets you apart—your mission statement, if you will—and keep your target audience at the forefront in every episode.

Prepare an Offering from Day One

Don't wait to offer something of value to your audience—be it consultations, courses, or just some merch. Even something free can greatly enhance your listener engagement and can be integrated into your show from the very beginning.

Consider Outsourcing Editing

If editing isn't your passion, consider outsourcing it. Freeing up your time enables you to focus on content creation, though budget constraints might mean taking this step later. If you handle editing yourself, software like Descript is user-friendly and a great tool for beginners.

Choose Quality Podcast Hosting

Pick a robust podcast hosting platform like Captivate. We've tried many, and its versatility, customisation options, and all-in-one features make it a favourite. From embedding links to booking guests, a quality host can streamline your podcasting process.

Release Without Checking Stats Obsessively

Finally, once your podcast is live, resist the urge to check your stats for the first few months. Focus on crafting quality content that will have listeners coming back. Success hinges on the value of your episodes, not early download numbers.

Starting a podcast in 2025 is not just an exciting idea; it's an opportunity to carve out your niche in a burgeoning industry. By implementing these tips, you're setting the foundation for a podcast that will connect you with a whole new audience and community. You've got the tools; now go out there and make some audio magic! 

Happy podcasting!

 

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